Editor’s Note: This story was corrected to include Southern Marsh co-founder Stephen Smith.
August is the hottest month in Baton Rouge, and one locally-founded company feels our collective pain.
From humble, post-graduate beginnings—working out of a vacant 12-foot by 12-foot space in a medical office off of Goodwood Boulevard, Southern Marsh is making strides as a homegrown brand of casual clothing custom made for rural R&R and Baton Rouge’s sweat-drenched summers.
Founded in 2008 by LSU alums Matt Valiollahi and Stephen Smith, the line of polos, oxfords, T-shirts, swimwear and more is now available in 15 states.
“We cater to the community that needs to balance a seamless transition from work at the office to their family, their sporting events and to the great outdoors,” Valiollahi says.
Southern Marsh’s casual, transitional pieces focus on comfort and timeless appeal.
This summer, the outfitters have unveiled fresh garments each month, like the new Seersucker Dockside swim trunks (pictured).
But this isn’t your grandfather’s seersucker. As with each of their fabrics, yarns and materials, Valiollahi and his team have rethought the classics without completely reinventing the wheel.
“Everything matters,” Valiollahi says. “Our pieces are rebuilt from the ground up.”
Baton Rouge retailers stocking Southern Marsh clothing include b Kids, The Backpacker, Carriages Fine Clothiers and Massey’s Professional Outfitters.
